“The festival is free and offers something for the entire family,” said Jennifer Holmes, festival coordinator. “We encourage people to come and explore this scenic area – by foot and hayride – and enjoy the musical talents of Crabmeat Thompson and the Bog Turtle Band, who will entertain us on our festival stage. Bring a blanket or some chairs and join us for the day!”

The festival features guided hikes, hayrides, free face painting, kids crafts and hands-on activities, a hay maze, local artisans, Native American and blacksmith demonstrations, colonial games and loads of fun along the beautiful Blackbird Creek. Local food vendors will also be on-site to provide refreshments for purchase.

Beginning at 9 a.m., the Delaware Invasive Species Council will hold the Race for Our Rivers 5K Run and Fun Walk at the Reserve’s cross country course to benefit projects that protect our water and land ecosystems by preventing the introduction and spread of invasive species.

For more information on the Blackbird Creek Fall Festival, contact Jennifer Holmes, Delaware National Estuarine Research Reserve, 302-739-6377 or visit http://de.gov/blackbirdfestival.